Healthcare Admin Master’s Degrees in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s healthcare record indicates that high incidences of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are affecting the well-being and productivity of the state’s citizens. As a result, the healthcare industry in Oklahoma seeks highly qualified administrators who can improve the quality, accessibility and operation of healthcare programs across the state.
As a professional health leader, you will be called upon to innovate new wellness programs, implement high healthcare standards, train staff regarding operational protocols, and provide oversight for the network systems that guard the integrity of patient data, ensure their well-being, and keep healthcare programs running smoothly. If you are ready to look into your options for getting the education that will lead you into this field, contact the Oklahoma schools with Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) programs directly from our site.
Educational Standards for Healthcare Administration Degrees in Oklahoma
Applicants for a Master of Healthcare Administration often hold undergraduate degrees from other fields of health, science, business or education. Many are currently working as nurses, medical information specialists, health educators or human resource managers. Aside from possessing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, some schools may require applicants to pass GRE exams for program eligibility.
MHA degrees can usually be completed in one to three years depending on the degree specialization and program requirements. Popular specializations include those in health administration and policy, health information management, leadership, health program planning, public health or community health outreach.
The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education accredits programs that follow industry standards resulting in mastery of expected competencies for administrative healthcare professionals. Anticipated courses may cover several content areas:
- Current healthcare technology and terminology.
- Database coding and health information systems.
- Accounting practices, health economics and billing procedures.
- Strategic planning, program organization and resource utilization.
- Human and organizational behavior.
- Leadership skills and staff training.
- Human resources management and hiring practices.
- Public health policies and best management practices
- Environmental, sociocultural and rural health issues
- Legal and ethical protocols.
- Communication, marketing and services promotion.
- Trending issues in the healthcare
MHA candidates attending accredited schools can apply for loans, grants and scholarships through federal, state and school programs. Federal funding sources include Stafford, Perkins, PLUS and William B. Ford loans; Pell grants; work-study and military assistance programs; or tuition tax credits. At the state level, Oklahoma offers a variety of scholarship programs for eligible candidates across various cultural, financial, career or educational groups. Additionally, students with good grade point averages may qualify for university grants and departmental work-study opportunities. The Oklahoma College Assistance Program provides valuable information concerning loan repayments.
Oklahoma State Requirements for MHA Professionals
Oklahoma requirements for obtaining state licensure as a healthcare administrator can vary according to the job. For example, those working as administrators in residential facilities serving senior populations need to successfully complete an Administrator in Training program as recommended by the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners and pass a national certification exam.
MHA degree-holders in other settings may only require passing certification exams in their specialty area to obtain licensure. MHA program mentors can advise candidates as to which types of licensing or certification requirements apply to their degree specialization and prepare them with the necessary competencies to complete further training or pass certification exams.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations in Oklahoma
To improve the quality of life for its citizens, Oklahoma will be looking for credentialed healthcare administrators to innovate and implement cutting-edge wellness programs. As a result, the state is likely to keep pace with the national trend towards faster-than-average growth through. Jobs in this field are forecast to increase by 11 percent between 2018 and 2028.
Job opportunities will be found in urban centers at major medical facilities, educational institutions, residential programs, private practices, emergency management groups and government agencies. In rural areas, the demand will be to expand the quality and level of available healthcare services to work with under-served populations such as senior citizens, children, adolescents, Native American groups and the disadvantaged.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor, statewide annual salaries for medical and health services managers in Oklahoma average $95,180.
Healthcare administration is a good career choice for anyone with a desire to improve the living standards and well-being of the community. By holding an MHA, aspiring healthcare administrators in Oklahoma will be eligible for competitive employment that can lead to career satisfaction and advancement opportunities. Contact the schools you see on our site to get started!
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Medical and Health Services Managers.
Job growth projections sourced from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and published in the U.S. Department of Labor-funded Long Term Occupational Projections (2018-2028) database. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expressly refers users to this source for state-specific job market data. Salary figures and job market projections reflect state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2021.
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